AAI-Isro tie up for satellite communication

PTIApr 4, 2003, 11.28am IST

TIRUCHIRAPPALLI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) will dovetail suitable payloads for satellite based communications meant for the Airports Authority of India while putting up satellites in geo-stationary orbits, according to a top AAI official.

The Airports Authority had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard with Isro and the first phase of the 'technology demonstration' was now being carried out, said V D V Prasad, member (finance) AAI, here on Thursday.

Referring to satellite-based communication systems (Sat-Com), linking 80 to 90 airports in the country, he said AAI would spend about Rs 40 crore in the near future.

He said AAI had been able to set up satellite-based communication systems at air terminals maintained by them, largely due to the financial aid of Rs 80 crore from ISRO.

An amount of Rs 400 crore had been earmarked during the 10th Plan to provide modern navigational systems in Indian airports, he added.